Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Ok- I am so excited to share this chair makeover with you! It was truly a labor (a lot of labor!) of love but the end result is totally worth it.

(I hope you don't mind that I showed you the Ta Da!! first.)

I found the dilapidated chair at the Goodwill a while back. An older gentleman was sitting in it and I thought he wanted to buy it- but when I asked him he said that he was just lounging while his wife shopped. Score!

It was tagged for $15 but I haggled for and got it for $10 (every dollar counts!). It had some problems of course. Torn, dirty fabric and ripped cane.

I knew it had potential because I had seen Mandi at Vintage Revivals save a similar chair a while back. So I set to work taking the chair apart, starting with the upholstery first and being careful not to tear it so I could use it later as a template for my new pieces.

This chair had some serious staples in it. Whoever put it together did not want it taken apart. I had to pull out the pliers and flat head screwdriver to get them all out. It took FOREVER!

There were some casualties.

But I triumphed in the end!!

The next task was taking the cane apart. And if I thought the upholstery did not want to come off, I was not prepared for this cane. Seriously- it was a beast. Good thing I took it outside because if was incredibly messy as well.

And when times get tough it's nice to have someone around to "help" you out.

Once I FINALLY got the cane off it was time for spray paint. I choose to paint the frame a glossy white.

Then I webbing back on. I was lucky to find some white webbing at our local craft store (Walmart). For better instructions on this part check out Mandi's blog.

Once that was finished it was time for upholstery. I had some fabric leftover from my Slipcovered Lounge Chair project that I thought would be perfect for this chair. I used a similar technique from when I redid my dining chairs. I traced the original fabric scraps onto my new fabric, leaving about an inch extra around the edges. Then stretched the pieces and stapled them into place to secure them.

To finish it off I hot glued fabric trim around the edges to cover the staples.

Then finished!

This project was good practice for the other upholstery project I have been trying to build up confidence for. It was tough but the end result was worth the hard work.

Yay!! What's the toughest project you have tackled? Was it totally worth the end result?

I'm sorry for your broken nail! That looks kind of painful :(. But you did prevail and the chair came out so lovely. I have upholstered some chairs here and there. My first sewing project ever was reupholstering a chair....I know I was being ambitious!

Wow, your chair turned out beautiful. Definitely labor of love...I'm your newest follower; I found you through the Project Queen. I would love a visit when you have a chance. http://decoratingwcents.blogspot.com/

LOVE! Please oh please consider linking up to my weekly Refresh Your Nest linky party; I'd love to feature your chair. That fabric is also one of my very favorite patterns, is that the trellis pattern from Dwell?!

Your chairs are quite beautiful. I have two very similar chairs from my Mom who has since past. I have been so "afraid" to tackle since they hold such memory. Your blog has given me the confidence to tackle. When I'm done, I'll let you know how they turned out. Would you please post this at my 1st Sunday's Best Party. You need to share!

wow, why have I never thought of just removing the bad caning?! I just leave it and hope it gets hid with a pillow! thanks for the great idea and it turned out awesome!! Also would love for you to share this post over at Trash To Treasure Tuesdays on the Korner! Thanks!! http://kammyskorner.blogspot.com/2011/10/trash-to-treasure-tuesday-link-party-2.html

As I said before, I absolutely LOVE this project. Thanks so much for linking up to Refresh Your Nest Friday. I loved it so much I put it on the Making Lemonade Facebook page. ;-) What can I say, I'm a sucker for that trellis pattern!

Hi Rachelle, what a wonderful job you did with the chair. It looks absolutely fabulous. Kudos. I found and am now following you through My Romantic Home and will visit you often. I hope you will pop along to visit my blog also and perhaps you will follow me. I would love that. Have a wonderful weekend. Hugs, Chris

Hello ! I love your chairs, and especially the fabric ! I just revamped 2 thrifted armchairs with the same one, so I though you might be interested in taking a look : http://frenchhappynest.blogspot.fr/2013/03/armchair-makeover-from-gloomy-to-happy.html?showComment=1364120024891. I hope you like them as much as I like yours ! Cheers from France !

Hi, I love what you did to the chair! I have recently purchased a chair of the similar look and style to this chair. The Cain is in excellent condition though, I was wondering if I can just paint over the Cain. Also when painting do I sand first the apply the primer the sand again and finally paint the final coat, or is there a different way? This is my first time reupholstering ever and I don't really know what I'm doing. Your blog has helped me so much already. Thank you :-)

Wow! A lot of effort went into this chair, but I am impressed. It turned out great! I reupholstered an old chair in drop cloth because I couldn't decide on a fabric. I actually love it and now have lived with it for 2 years!